JOICFP Provides Expertise on BCC at UNFPA Meeting

Behavior Change Communication (BCC) has significant impact on the success of health programs, yet little work has been done on effective approaches and strategies in this area. Without a common strategic framework, programs tend to lose BCC elements, and those that have been carried out tend to be lost and not retained in the system.

From 6th to 8th December 2005, JOICFP organized and hosted a UNFPA Global Technical Meeting on BCC. Seven UNFPA CST Advisers on BCC from seven regional offices, four UNFPA Representatives, Dr. Arletty Pinel, Chief, RH Branch, UNFPA HQ, and JOICFP staff attended.

Delia Barcelona, UNFPA Mongolia representative
leads the introductory sessions

The meeting’s objectives were: -

• To clarify and come to a consensus on the concept of BCC
• To create draft BCC guidance that could be applied to relevant UNFPA programs
• To develop policy recommendations to strengthen UNFPA BCC interventions

Discussions included whether the actual terminology ‘BCC’ was acceptable because when it is translated into some languages it can sound as if recipients are being forced to change their behavior. Discussion also focused on the issues that need to be considered when drafting a Program Guidance Note.

All participants agreed that BCC interventions should be a central and significant issue within UNFPA programs, and that more work needs to be done in this field, including the allocation of more resources.

Dr. Arletty Pinel, Chief, RH Branch,
UNFPA facilitating the session on future actions

The concept of BCC is important as it is about assisting individuals in prevention of taking unsupportive decisions for their health. BCC interventions are essential in ensuring that health services are utilized and accessed, and are an important part of preventive health. Since its inception, JOICFP has been involved in prevention activities such as utilizing parasite control as an entry point in raising awareness on health, including issues on sexual and reproductive health. JOICFP is always using BCC, whether or not it is called that, in order to promote healthy behavior.

JOICFP is pleased to have been recognized by UNFPA for its expertise in this area, and also to have participated in the BCC guideline formulation from the beginning.

Further meetings are planned to be held, such as with other partner NGOs, in order to develop BCC policy and guidelines for use within UNFPA.

A view of all the participants of the meeting